The weekend digest.

The headline act for families this half term is Spooky Space: The Science of Magic at the National Space Centre on 17 October. Think science shows with a Halloween twist, magical demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that will leave little ones wide-eyed and full of questions. It is exactly the kind of day out that earns its place in the family memory bank, and with so much packed in, you will want to arrive early and make the most of every moment. Over at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, two very different evenings are lighting up the stage. On Monday 12 October, What The World Needs Now brings the timeless songbook of Burt Bacharach to life, with Rumer and Ed Harcourt among the guests lending their voices to those irresistible melodies. Then on Tuesday 13 October, Steve Hackett delivers the very best of Genesis alongside treasured material from his solo catalogue, promising a rich and atmospheric night for any rock fan. If you fancy something a little more participatory on Monday evening, Loughborough Folk Dance Club offers a thoroughly warm welcome to English folk and American contra dancing, with Trevor Brown calling and the delightful Dave and Fi on the music. For a shorter burst of culture, the Lunchtime Recital featuring trumpet, flugelhorn and piano in Leicester on Monday is a lovely way to lift the middle of the day with live performance from musicians drawn from across the city, county and beyond. When it comes to places worth making a proper trip for, Burrough Hill Country Park near Melton Mowbray rewards the effort with sweeping views across eastern Leicestershire and a genuine sense of history underfoot. Twinlakes Park, also in Melton Mowbray, delivers a full day of go-karts, water slides, and farm animals for families who love a proper adventure. And the 1620s House and Garden in Ashby de la Zouch offers something altogether more tranquil, with beautifully restored period gardens, a barn tearoom, and events that suit all ages. The weather this week is pleasantly autumnal, with clear skies early in the week giving way to mild, drizzly days mid-week that are perfectly suited to indoor events and covered attractions. Temperatures are sitting in that comfortable jumper-and-boots range, which honestly makes a countryside walk at Burrough Hill feel like a very fine idea. Whatever takes your fancy, there is no shortage of reason to get out and explore Leicestershire this week, so go ahead and pick your day.